Post Race Rundown of the 2013 Gateway Pet Guardians 5K-9

Completed the 2013 Gateway Pet Guardians 5K-9 this morning held at Rock Springs Park, O’Fallon, IL. This race was for runners, runners with dogs or walkers with dogs. Much to my chagrin, no cats. (Yes, I’m a cat person – I have four, all rescues). It was a great event and for a good cause. Their mission is as follows:

Gateway Pet Guardians is a nonprofit animal shelter bringing hope to stray pets in East St. Louis and the metro area while educating the community in order to eliminate homelessness for stray dogs and cats – your support saves lives.

Now for the “rundown“. Woke up to foggy conditions and about 38 degrees here in Belleville, IL. By 0900 the temperature had risen to a whopping 42 degrees and windy. (Sigh) It was cold. The race started on time, much appreciated, (it was cold) and followed the trail through the park. This was the first time I had run on the paved park trail which was about 3 feet wide. Ran another race starting from Rock Springs Park, but we ran through the adjoining neighborhood and out on the street. Did I mention it was cold?

The race for me went fairly well. Ate some G2 gels, that seemed to do nothing for me -lol. I think I started off a little to fast, felt like I was breathing harder than normal and really didn’t feel well after the first mile. Kept up the pace and began to even out around the 2K mark. Knee held up well. Set my running glasses on the side of the trail around the 2.5K mark, yeah they weren’t there upon my return, and finished the race. Bad habit – I didn’t look at my final time, will have to post that result later. All in all it was a good race and for a good cause. I’m glad I participated.

I don’t know about you but after I run I crave salt. So for lunch I had a burrito and a margarita. Perfect ending, no?